AB Post Show Report: Leaving Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — The 2006 Athletic Business Conference and Expo celebrated its 25th anniversary Nov. 14-17 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center in Las Vegas with 91 seminars, a trade show with 344 exhibitors and about 3,400 attendees.

The show kicked off with a welcome reception at the House of Blues, which featured hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and live music. Other notable events included early morning workouts, a basketball free-throw competition and two keynotes.

Kevin Carroll, founder of The Katalyst Consultancy and author of Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, delivered the opening keynote, “Rediscovering Play: Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work and Life,” to a large, enthusiastic crowd on Nov. 15.

Carroll shared the story of his life and his career with the 76ers and Nike; gave out numerous posters, books and even a $100 bill to lucky chosen attendees; and showed the audience how to become change agents who inspire and motivate their organization, allowing it to reap the benefits of a healthy, fun environment where people enjoy their jobs and lives.

“Play needs to be serious in business because it's serious business,” Carroll told the crowd.

The next day quarterback and football analyst Terry Bradshaw headlined the keynote session, “Why Not Your Best.” As a Hall of Fame quarterback, two-time Super Bowl MVP, two-time Emmy Award-winning co-host of America's most-watched pre-game show, author, television and film actor, and gospel singer with three hit albums, Bradshaw shared his strategies for maintaining success through persistent self-improvement and discussed how attendees can make their dreams come true by managing their most important asset — their attitude.

In conjunction with the show, the International Council on Active Aging presented its fourth annual conference and the Medical Fitness Association presented its conference.